Airmen from the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base are not only working around the clock to provide mission-ready F-35A Lighting II aircraft for exercise Red Flag 24-1, but they are also working on their own growth as Airmen. Many of the squadron’s Airmen have never deployed, so as other F-35A units stand up around the Air Force, they are drawing on the 388th Fighter Wing’s experienced maintainers, resulting in an influx of new blood. The exercise will give the new Airmen an opportunity to see a high-end fight and understand the importance of their upgrade training. The simulated combat environment at Red Flag offers a tempo and urgency meant to prepare Airmen for a real-world deployment. The increased amount of flying here leads to a wider variety of maintenance issues that pop up, providing valuable opportunities for growth in the squadron.
For Staff Sgt. Dakota Curran, an avionics craftsman from Oak Ridge, Tenn., this trip has helped him become a better troubleshooter. He has learned ways to fix things without all the support and capabilities they have back at Hill Air Force Base. As a new supervisor, this experience has been valuable for Curran as he works alongside less experienced troops, helping and observing the younger Airmen in an environment they may not yet be comfortable with.
The Red Flag exercise starts with Airmen and leadership taking stock of the current maintenance issues affecting each aircraft. Some Airmen perform inspections and prepare to launch or recover aircraft, while others dig into deeper maintenance issues to get each jet mission ready. For 2nd Lt. Madi Maroney, who is learning the day-to-day mission of a deployed FGS, this experience has been a “whirlwind”. As the officer in charge of the 388th Maintenance Squadron Accessories Flight, Maroney has been tasked with helping the 421st FGS during Red Flag and next week’s Bamboo Eagle exercise. This is her first time away from home station, and she has been able to see the duties of a maintenance officer and the results of her work. Despite the long hours, Maroney and her team love the work they do.
Overall, the Red Flag exercise provides valuable training and growth opportunities for the Airmen of the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron. It allows them to see a high-end fight and understand the importance of their upgrade training. The simulated combat environment prepares Airmen for real-world deployments and provides opportunities for them to learn and improve their skills. Additionally, the exercise allows new Airmen to gain experience and work alongside more experienced troops, helping them develop in their roles. The exercise also highlights the importance of maintenance and the efforts of Airmen to ensure each aircraft is mission ready.
Images and subject matter derived from 3rd party sources including www.af.mil.
